IHE 2024 Concludes Successfully, Setting Ambitious Goals for 2025

IHE 2024 Concludes Successfully, Setting Ambitious Goals for 2025

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 8, 2024

The 7th edition of the India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2024) wrapped up successfully, with 942 exhibitors showcasing their expertise in the hospitality sector. Held at the India Expo Centre & Mart, the event also featured four co-located shows that collectively drew an impressive 90,000 B2B visitors over four dynamic days. The expo served as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and business, generating an estimated Rs 12,000 crore in serious business inquiries.

IHE 2024 offered a comprehensive display of the latest in luxury hotels, resorts, homestays, restaurants, catering, decoration, and the F&B sector. Visitors were treated to a wide range of products and services, from cutting-edge technology to sustainable practices and culinary innovations. The final day cemented IHE’s status as India’s premier B2B hospitality event.

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The expo was inaugurated by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, with a ceremony attended by prominent figures such as Myanmar’s Ambassador H.E. Moe Kyaw Aung, the Chief Trade Counsellor of the Vietnamese Embassy Mr. Bui Trung Thuong, and Aakar Exhibition’s Director, Shri Premal Mehta. In his keynote address, Minister Shekhawat highlighted IHE’s vital role in promoting India’s hospitality sector on a global scale.

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Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of India Expo Centre & Mart, expressed pride in the successful event and highlighted the collaboration with Vietnam as the Partner Country and Himachal Pradesh as the Focus State. This partnership brought unique cultural and culinary experiences to the expo, enhancing its vibrant and diverse atmosphere.

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The event’s lineup featured exciting culinary competitions like the Master Bakers Challenge India 2024, Pastry Queen India, and the India Pizza League Championship, which attracted participants nationwide. The Vietnam Food Festival, led by Chef Thong Nguyen Van, delighted attendees with authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

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IHE 2024 set new standards of excellence in the hospitality industry, and the organizers are already planning for IHE 2025 with even higher goals. The commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration remains strong as they aim to expand the expo’s reach and impact globally.

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About IHE:

The India International Hospitality Expo (IHE) is the largest hospitality expo in India, dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations, products, and services in the hospitality industry. Since its inception, IHE has been a key platform for growth and development in the sector, bringing together industry leaders and professionals from around the world.


Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Akasa Air has strengthened its international operations by inaugrated its direct flight from Chennai to Abu Dhabi route with 6x weekly services. The flights, which began on 1st September, are now operating with enhanced frequency to meet growing travel demand.

This new route not only improves connectivity between Chennai and Abu Dhabi but also offers travellers the airline’s signature service at affordable fares. The route functions as a turnaround flight, with inbound and outbound operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a ground time of just two hours, ensuring efficiency and convenience.

This inaugral service reflects Akasa Air’s focus on expanding its global footprint and supporting seamless travel between India and the UAE. By offering more flight options, the airline continues to cater to both business and leisure travellers while reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer-friendly service.


Air India Express Launches Direct Flights from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru

Air India Express Launches Direct Flights from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 4, 2025

Air India Express, India’s first international value carrier, has commenced direct operations from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru, further strengthening its domestic network. Services from Dehradun to Bengaluru are also set to begin on 15 September.

The airline will now operate twice daily from Chandigarh to Bengaluru and increase Ahmedabad–Bengaluru flights to twice daily from 16 September. These routes expand Bengaluru’s role as the carrier’s largest domestic hub, offering wider connectivity for both leisure and business travellers across India and select international destinations.

The inaugural flight from Chandigarh, operated by a new Boeing aircraft featuring a livery inspired by Punjab’s traditional Phulkari textile, departed at 16:40 and arrived in Bengaluru at 19:40. Earlier in the day, the first Ahmedabad–Bengaluru service took off at 11:00. To mark the occasion, a commemorative event was held at Chandigarh Airport, where the first guest was presented with a special boarding pass.

Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said: “Our new routes from Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and soon Dehradun to Bengaluru reflect our commitment to creating meaningful connections between state capitals and major metros. With thoughtfully curated fares including our cabin-bag only Xpress Lite fare, comfortable seats, hot meals onboard, and our unique ‘Tales of India’ aircraft liveries, we deliver a warm, distinctly Indian travel experience with every flight. This expansion is another step towards building our pan-India network serving leisure and business travellers with efficiency.”

The new flights also expand one-stop connections through Bengaluru. From Ahmedabad, travellers gain access to 26 domestic destinations and three international points, while passengers from Chandigarh can connect to 22 domestic destinations and Kathmandu. Bengaluru continues to remain the largest domestic hub for Air India Express, handling more than 405 weekly flights to 34 domestic destinations and three international cities.

The airline’s Tales of India initiative continues to celebrate India’s artistic heritage, with over 50 unique aircraft tail designs. Additionally, travellers booking on these routes can access “Xpress Holidays,” the airline’s platform offering curated travel packages with flights, accommodation, transport, and activities.

With these additions, Air India Express strengthens its network strategy of enhancing point-to-point travel while also supporting wider connectivity through its Bengaluru hub.


Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has completed 25 years of operations in Chennai, a key hub in its South India network. Since launching its first flight on 1 September 2000, the airline has carried more than 10.7 million passengers on over 38,000 flights between Dubai and Chennai.

The milestone celebration was joined by Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, while Chennai International Airport commemorated the occasion with a water cannon salute for the arrival of EK544.

Mohammad SarhanVice President, Emirates – India and Nepal, said, “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of service to Chennai and connecting its people to our global network. We would like to thank M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for joining us in our celebration, marking an important partnership that has grown from strength to strength over the years. The unwavering support of the authorities and all local stakeholders has been invaluable to the success of our operations and we extend our sincere gratitude on the occasion.”

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Over the past two and a half decades, Emirates has enhanced Chennai’s global connectivity by providing access to its network across six continents. The airline has enabled businesses to expand into new markets and supported demand from business travellers, leisure passengers, and the visiting friends and relatives segment. Popular destinations for passengers from Chennai include New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Paris, London, Manchester, and Frankfurt.

Emirates also carries significant inbound traffic into Chennai, particularly from Kuwait and North America. On the cargo front, Emirates SkyCargo has played a vital role in trade, transporting high-value and time-sensitive commodities such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and engineering goods. In the last financial year alone, it uplifted 19,300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai, creating export opportunities for local farmers, manufacturers, and businesses.

Travellers continue to experience Emirates’ signature Fly Better service, featuring fully enclosed First Class suites, direct aisle access in Business Class, and award-winning inflight entertainment with over 6,500 channels. The airline also offers regionally inspired cuisine, including vegan options, paired with curated wine and beverage selections.

As Emirates celebrates 25 years in Chennai, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global connectivity, supporting industries, and contributing to the city’s role as a vital gateway for South India.

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